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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Canada: British Columbia adds 12 fast-charging stations for electric cars
Electric car owners in British Columbia will get a real charge out of this -- the provincial government is spending $1.3 million to set up fast-charging stations in 12 communities. The stations can give a car an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes or less, compared to other kinds of stations that require up to eight hours for a full charge.
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US jobless claims drop to five-year low
The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to the lowest level in five years, evidence that employers are cutting fewer jobs and may step up hiring. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly unemployment benefit applications dropped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 330,000. That's the fewest since January 2008. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell to 351,750. That's also the lowest in nearly five years.
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China manufacturing hits two-year high in January
Growth in China's giant factory sector accelerated to a two-year high in January, a preliminary private survey showed, as manufacturers received more local and foreign orders in an encouraging sign for the country's economic rebound. The HSBC flash purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 51.9 in January, the highest since January 2011 and above the 50-point level that shows accelerating growth in the sector from the previous month.
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Russia eyes European organic market
Moscow's lawmakers are reportedly promoting a bill to support and boost the production of organic agricultural products, with aims of getting a bigger foothold in the EU's expanding organic market. Russia's Ministry of Agriculture hopes the law will come into force by 2015. 'As long as organic products are in demand, this idea has a future, of course. Many people buy eco-friendly products deliberately. So I think that the Ministry of Agriculture does it all right,' Igor Rudensky, head of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, told Russian media.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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India would have sought a longer jail term for Headley: Salman Khurshid
New Delhi: In his first reaction on David Headley's sentencing, Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid told CNN-IBN in an exclusive interview that India would have sought a longer jail term for 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator, had he been tried in India.
He, however, added that he was satisfied with the prison term extended to him by the US.
"If we would have tried him, we would have sought more. But the judge is bound by the structured system of justice delivery in the US. The judge has taken into account the maximum. It's a beginning," he said.
On the thorny issue of Headley's extradition to India, he said while India has been pushing for it, he could not speculate on the matter, adding that India was pursuing a dialogue with the US on it.
He, however, added that it was "good to know" that "given the circumstances.. he has been made accountable".
He further slammed Pakistan for not doing "anything close to what (India) wanted" on the terror issue.
Headley sentenced to 35 years in prison
David Coleman Headley was sentenced on Thursday to 35 years in prison for the key role he played in the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Headley, 52, whose meticulous scouting missions facilitated the assault by 10 gunmen from a Pakistani-based militant group, which killed 160 people - including children.
"I don't have any faith in Mr Headley when he says he's a changed person and believes in the American way of life," said US District Judge Harry Leinenweber in imposing the sentence, which was in the range of what prosecutors had requested for Headley's widespread cooperation.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may be on your best game when you gather with friends and business connections. Your thoughts will be concise and clear and you'll have a keen ability to deliver them crisply. As such, it should be an ideal time for formulating plans that require discipline and accountability. You should have favorable feedback from your group, which may be all you need to lead the way. Choose your words with a touch of care and forethought first though.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
If you try to do the right thing and act responsibly, you'll be put in a favorable light both at work and with your significant other. You may already be at your best, and it may begin to show. Maybe and your partner are trying to work out a schedule that allows both of you to maximize your work time while you allow yourself time for fun as well. This may require a touch of balance, but the effort will be worth it. Perhaps if you bring some work home at night, you'll catch up in time for the weekend.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Your health and well-being may deserve some attention lately. Are you off to the gym this morning? You may also find that a little bit of education will help you to redirect your efforts when it comes to feeling your best. You may decide to schedule a few appointments for the sake of peace of mind. Why not book some relaxing therapy sessions such as a massage or a relaxing sauna?
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You may be stumped as you try to figure out the right creative approach to your home. Your time would be well spent on some background research before you move ahead, however. Like a giant puzzle you may have to turn the pieces over a few times before you find the right combination, but the effort may be worth it in the long run. If you can turn a few ideas over, you might tap into ideas that are quite exotic and playful.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may spread yourself a little too thin if you try to accomplish too much. You may have a discussion with your partner that brings the focus back to the family or your domestic situation. You might decide to divide up the household list and work on your own agenda, and maybe review the taxes or the receipts to prepare for tax season. The recent full moon may have shed some light on your joint efforts, so this may be a day for working toward a common goal. The rewards can fulfill you both.
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Telecom tariffs are continuously monitored: TRAI
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday said that the regulator’s free-hand to telecom operators to fix call and other services charges should not be taken for granted and said that changes in tariffs are being continuously monitored.
“Forbearance does not mean that we have closed our eyes. Forbearance repose faith on operators and we realise there is competition in the market,” TRAI Chairman Rahul Khullar said.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) earlier this month decided to continue with forbearance in tariff regime that gives freedom to decide on call and other services rates. The TRAI Chairman said if due to competition tariffs have come down, then forbearance is a reasonable action.
Indian mobile phone industry, known for the lowest priced telecom services rates, has now started seeing northward movement with continuous increase in tariffs by leading telecom operators —— Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular and Vodafone.
These four operators account for more than 65 per cent of mobile phone connections in the country with 58.41 crore customers on their wireless network as of November 2012. Telecom operators Idea Cellular, Vodafone and Reliance Communications are learnt to have increased call charges in the range of 20 per cent to 33 per cent in a span of months.
There was another hike noticed in mobile internet services within last one month period by Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular in the range of 25 per cent to 30 per cent.
In the third round, telecom operator Airtel and Idea Cellular took promotional scheme route to hike call rates by slashing free minutes in the range of 10 per cent to 25 per cent and increasing rates of special tariff vouchers which offers discounts on call rates and other services.
Vodafone too indicated that it will follow the suite.
The TRAI Chairman, however, expressed concern on successive increase in services rates by operators. “The different question and more difficult question is that today one did and after two days other two did it.. is there any nexus among them?” he said.
NGO Telecom Watchdog, one of the petitioners in 2G spectrum case, has approached Competition Commission of India as well as TRAI to look into matter. “This hike in a cartelised manner is illegal, unjustified, and arbitrary. There is no justification for such a tariff hike,” Telecom Watchdog Secretary Anil Kumar said in his complaint to CCI.
Telecom consumer activist and Chairman of Cell for Consumer Education and Advocacy Society, Bejon Mishra condemned tariff hike and demanded “immediate probe into the matter to ensure transparency and accountability of the telecom sector towards the consumers.”
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Will eating corn make me fat?
It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.
This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?
Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.
Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:
Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.
If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.
Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.
Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.
Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.
Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Your work may be your singular focus today. With favorable activity in your service sector, your attention to details may be admirable, but your words can also carry an even stronger message. If you can find an easy method to work with your team, you may find true enjoyment. Your dedication to the final product may be an inspiration to others who admire your work ethic. If you set an example, the others will follow, and all of you will enjoy a sweet outcome.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Your head may be full of creative ideas as the recent full moon will light up your creativity sector. You may be involved in a new form of expression or simply bold enough to dive right in. A little background work may save you some trouble later, but the excitement has you full of text messages and quick ideas for friends. You may be quite comfortable in what you say since Mercury will join the Sun your creative sector and allow you to be especially fluent.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may have to be responsible and put your foot down over a family matter that has come to light recently. A little behind-the-scenes information might supply you with all the details necessary to speak up. You may have to set some guidelines in place and have a good old fashioned heart-to-heart with the family. Once you set the record straight, you may actually see an improvement as people tend to listen when you talk.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Any time that you can put into research and report preparation may prove to be quite helpful. This would be an excellent time to dig in and really flesh out your ideas for just the right nuance. It may not be what you say, but how you say it that leaves the greatest impression. If you can focus on responsibility and try to adhere to facts, your credibility will remain intact and you may even turn a few heads in the process.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
A team effort with a mutually beneficial goal that may involve money may be right up your alley. It will be important to do some background investigation first, however, just to be safe. You do not want to act in haste and have to re-do your work. This may be one occasion when slow and steady work truly wins the race. If you can find a method to work with others, share your experiences, and gather your collective insights, you may be able to see some real financial payoff.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 The recent full moon this past week may have provided you with some necessary community-based insights. You may have had in-depth conversations with several of your peers and been able to form some new objectives. Your ideas may grab the spotlight as Mercury and the Sun will gather in Aquarius, so take the stage if you can. You may enjoy that big and bold platform simply because it allows you to be you.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
With the New Year in full swing, you may feel compelled to travel and speak. Public engagements and training seminars may fit the bill perfectly. If you are in that position, you may want to take advantage of new connections. You never know when the right person with a special viewpoint will come along to help you on your way. This should also be an excellent time for any new project, especially research oriented. Training classes might be just the door you need to open.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love is jealous that any should come before her, or after. She would be all in all. If a man will trust her and live in her, he shall know all things..
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
After an accident,
A v.angry driver: I showed u d headlights
& told u 2 go by side.
Santa: I also started d wipers
& said No, no..No no. :D
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Delhi University students to spend more time in classrooms in 4-year-structure
NEW DELHI: From 2013-14 academic session, Delhi University students will have to spend more time in the classrooms. The university is planning to replace its present three-year undergraduate degree with a four year programme with multiple degree options. At present, an undergraduate student attends 30 to 34 classes per week, including practicals and tutorials. The new structure will have 28 classes per week without tutorials and practicals and around 40 with them.
As present, 30 to 34 classes amount to 27.5 to 31 hours, as each class is 55 minutes long. "In all likelihood, from what we gather from the structure presented by the university administration
on the website, the teaching hours per week are likely to go up by as much as 10 hours. Going by six days per week logic, it will amount to over six hours per day or seven periods per day," said Naveen Gaur, physics teachers at Dyal Singh College.
In the four-year structure, which has been approved by the academic and executive council and made public by the university,
tutorials and practical are to continue wherever applicable and will amount to around 12 classes or more per week. It will amount to around 37 hours of teaching per week.
According to the break up of teaching hours mentioned in the "four-year undergraduate programme with multiple degree option" document, foundation courses (language, literature and creativity) will include five periods per week, while other foundation courses will be allotted three periods per week. The document also listed 11 foundation courses, which apart from languages, includes information technology, business, entrepreneurship and management, governance and citizenship, psychology, communication and life skills, geographic and socio-economic diversity, among others.
The four-year-undergraduate degree structure has been prepared by a 61-member task force constituted by the university in October 2012. A member of the task force, Virender Bhardwaj said: "Without the tutorials it is likely to be around 28 classes per week. Regarding the tutorials and practicals, the structure has not yet been finalized, but yes the number of teaching hours will go up with respect to the present structure as the number of classes are to go up in the four-year system. But a final decision on this is yet to be taken as to what the structure will be."
Not only a student to get an honours degree from Delhi University from the 2013-14 session will have to put in an extra year, the classroom hours, too, are likely to go up significantly. The university is planning to replace its present three-year undergraduate degree with that of a four-year programme with multiple degree options. At present, an undergraduate student attends around 30 to 34 classes per week, which includes practicals and tutorials. The new structure will have 28 classes without tutorials and practicals and around 40 with them.
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Cheteshwar Pujara patiently awaits ODI debut
DHARAMSHALA: As he arrived here with the team for the final one-day international, Cheteshwar Pujara must be hoping he will eventually get a chance to make his one-day international debut.
Pujara was picked in the 15-member team for the ODI series on the strength of a double and a triple century in the Ranji Trophy, but has been warming the benches since. When India decided to drop Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth ODI against England in Mohali on Wednesday, it was not Pujara but Rohit Sharma who got the nod. It is another matter that Sharma made the most of that opportunity.
The Saurashtra Cricket Association had sought his release for the Ranji Trophy final, but the BCCI shot down their plea. Now, Pujara's backers must be hoping that he will finally get a break in the dead-rubber match at Dharamshala. India clinched the series by winning the fourth game in Mohali on Wednesday night.
Skipper MS Dhoni was non-committal about Pujara's chances. "Boss, aise nahi hota hai (It doesn't happen this way). On Twitter they say drop Ishant and play Pujara. There are so many factors to consider. The balance of the team has also to be seen. He is a great talent and will get his chance sooner than later."
With the series already decided, maybe Dhoni may decide to play Pujara in the final game. If Pujara sits out at Dharamshala too, he will have to wait for the Irani Cup match to get a chance to bat in the middle and prepare for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Many experts brand Pujara as an ideal batsman in the longer format of the game. But that does not prevent him from excelling in shorter versions. Not many know that he has a good average in his List A (one-day) career, just like in Tests or first-class cricket.
In 61 List A games, Pujara averages 56.97, which is just a shade lower than his Test average of 58 in nine games and FC average of 59 from 75 games. Even in the shorter versions, he has shown he has the ability to anchor the innings. He has eight hundreds and 17 half-centuries.
Statistics apart, Pujara has shown the ability to collar any attack on any wicket, and he has done so consistently in first-class cricket. Looking at his performances in one-day games, it is clear he does not lack the ability to play an attacking game. He was in top form on India A's 2010 tour of the British Isles when he struck 122 not out against Scotland and then 114 versus West Indies A in a triangular A series at Leicester.
If that was not enough, he showed his prowess by hammering back-to-back hundreds in the Challenger Trophy, hitting 158 not out against India A and 124 not out against Bengal.
In the final he added a half-century as he led India B to the title. He carried that form into the Tests against England with a double century and a century, and then in the Ranji Trophy struck a double century and a 352, on the basis of which he was drafted into the ODI squad.
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Special Chabbis
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Movie Name : Special Chabbis
Release Date : February 8, 2013
Genre : Action , Drama
Producer : Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Director : Neeraj Pandey
Music Director : M. M. Kreem, Himesh Reshammiya
Cast : Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Bajpai, Anupam Kher, Divya Dutta.
Synopsis:
Special Chabbis is an upcoming Bollywood heist drama film directed by Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday fame. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kajal Agarwal in the lead roles with Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Bajpai and Anupam Kher in supporting roles.
The film takes its concept from the real-life daring heist dated 19-March-1987 where an unknown man posing as CBI officer Mon Singh recruited 26 men posing as income tax officers executing a daylight income tax raid on the Opera House branch of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri in Mumbai, and disappeared with jewellery worth lakhs. The movie is set in the early 1980's. The film is scheduled to release on February 8, 2013.
The film takes its foundations from the infamous roberry of 19-March-1987, when 26 people posing as income tax officials raided a famous jewellery store in Opera House, Mumbai. They had walked away with jewels worth lakhs. This incident shocked jewellers across Zaveri Bazaar. According to the sources, Neeraj waited for almost three years after A Wednesday, as he wanted Akshay Kumar for the film. Akshay will play the leader of the 26-men army in the film. His character name will interestingly be "Mr. Ajay Singh" (meaning 'unconquered lion' in English).
Manoj Bajpai has been roped in to play the real CBI officer, and Anupam Kher will also be playing a vital role in the film. Kajal Aggarwal plays a specially-written role of Mon Singh's love-interest (she is the only female character in the film).Earlier actors Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan were roped in to play the lead. But the role went to Kumar as he was Pandey's first choice. Kajal Aggarwal is playing role of a school teacher.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Helpless love
Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island. The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare.
Love looked around with hope. Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?” “No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver
There is no place for you.” A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.” Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.” Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone. Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.”
Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place. On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?” Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”
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“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
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